The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park was established in 1991 and covers a surface area of 150,000 hectares or 2,014 square kilometres. It is one of the largest parks in Italy, located almost entirely in the region of Abruzzo and is one of the largest protected areas in Europe. Composed of the mountains of Gran Sasso, the Monti della Laga and the so-called Twin Mountains, it is a diverse and beautiful area that is predominantly alpine plain but is dotted with vast pine, beech and birch forests, streams, waterfalls, ponds, prairies, pastures and pretty Middle-Age villages.
More than 2,000 species of plants live in the different areas of the park and, as you wander, you will be met with the aromas of raspberries and wild orchids. You may also encounter animals such as the deer, roe deer, bears, wildboars, wildcats, foxes, squirrels, Apennine wolves, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, eagle owls and insects like the apollo butterfly that all occupy the area.
If you find a vacation rental of Abruzzo, Teramo is a great bases to explore the area from. A pretty and historic town, you'll find the Gran Sasso Mountain Range and the Laga Chain on one side and the Adriatic Coast on the other.
If you find a vacation rental of Abruzzo, Teramo is a great bases to explore the area from. A pretty and historic town, you'll find the Gran Sasso Mountain Range and the Laga Chain on one side and the Adriatic Coast on the other.
There are lots of different kinds of itineraries and difficult levels to choose from, so no matter what you want to see, how fit you are or how used to hiking and exploration you are, there will be something for you. The park contains a very long circuit of approximately 300 kilometres and features trails that can be visited on horseback, by mountain bike, or on foot. However, there are also lots of other outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in the park including canoeing, bird watching, Alpine skiing, ski mountaineering, and Cross-country skiing.
So, if you're looking to have an adventure in Italy, consider visiting this extraordinary place!
So, if you're looking to have an adventure in Italy, consider visiting this extraordinary place!
Photo credits
Picture 1: Cats' photos / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: Luiclemens / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Omar Tomaino / CC BY-SA 4.0
Picture 1: Cats' photos / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: Luiclemens / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Omar Tomaino / CC BY-SA 4.0
